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A struggling wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.